Complaint Against Hobbs Sits

No action has been taken on a complaint filed six months ago with the state Education Practices Commission by former school board member James Heaberlin against former superintendent Leon Hobbs.

Staff members with the Professional Practices Services, which investigates complaints and sends a recommendation to the education commissioner, said Tuesday they could not comment on the status of the case.

However, when the complaint was filed the executive director of the commission said it would take about a month to investigate.

Heaberlin said he was told a new investigator is handling the case.

The complaint said Hobbs hired his wife, Becky Simpson, as an occupational specialist when she was not qualified. Hobbs recommended her for the job before they were married.

If an investigation reveals ''probable cause,'' an administrative hearing would be scheduled at which arguments could be made and evidence presented.

The commission could recommend to the governor, after an administrative hearing, penalties ranging from a reprimand, or probation, to suspension of Hobbs' teaching certificate.